I think the location Wendy mention about is not a residential area . By the way 3am is bad enough for residential area .
You be surprised what is a residential area. the shophouses nearby 2nd flr onwards is residential. the hdb down the road is also residential. thats close enuf by spf definition, after all they are the ones giving out the licenses.
regarding the noise pollution, they'll definitely get the license first. you cant open shop without a license. you think the spf so hardworking ask the dj own music full blast b4 they can give license meh? renewal though, is an entirely diff matter, put it short, if you are troubling the patrol lads to come down ever so often to tell you to lower your volume, rest assured your renewal will likely be rejected.